Thiruvananthapuram: Every year, the capital city of Kerala transforms into a spiritual epicentre as thousands of women unite in devotion to celebrate the Attukal Pongala festival.

Revered for its grand scale and deep religious significance, the festival is a collective display of faith, spirituality, and community. Centered around the worship of Attukalamma, the goddess of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, it brings together people from all walks of life in an extraordinary expression of devotion.

The rituals that mark the sacred day

As dawn breaks on Pongala day, the city comes alive with fervour. Women, the central participants, travel from across Kerala and beyond to take part in this momentous occasion.

But what exactly happens during the Attukal Pongala festival, and why does it carry such profound spiritual importance? Here are the key rituals:

Lighting the sacred flame

The festivities begin promptly at 10:15 AM with the lighting of the sacred flame at the Pandara Aduppu, the temple hearth situated in front of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

This flame serves as the divine source of heat for the Pongala offerings, symbolising the goddess's presence and blessing. The lighting of the fire is a deeply significant moment, heralding the beginning of the day’s sacred rituals. The flame is traditionally kindled by temple priests, and once ignited, it is believed to carry Attukalamma’s blessings into the hearts of all those who partake in the offerings.

The Pongala offering

Once the fire is lit, the streets surrounding the temple overflow with excitement and spiritual energy. Women, each with their own stove and pot, gather in the open air, preparing the special dish known as Pongala.

Made from rice, jaggery, coconut, and other sacred ingredients, the preparation of this dish is not just a cooking process but a form of prayer. As the women cook, they chant hymns and prayers to Attukalamma, asking for blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness. This act of devotion is a personal and spiritual offering that goes beyond the preparation of food—it is a demonstration of unwavering faith.

At precisely 1:15 PM, the Pongala offering is presented to the goddess. This moment is believed to be the time when Attukalamma will accept the offerings and shower her blessings upon the devotees.

Kuthiyottam

As the evening draws near, the Kuthiyottam ceremony, scheduled for 7:45 PM, takes centre stage.

This special ritual involves young boys, who participate in a procession around the temple grounds in a symbolic show of devotion to the goddess. The sight of these young devotees dressed in traditional attire and carrying their own offerings adds another layer of spirituality to the occasion.

The Goddess’ journey

At 11:15 PM, the goddess, represented by her idol, embarks on a symbolic journey to the Manakkad Shastakshetra.

This procession is a critical part of the evening’s rituals, as it is believed that the goddess’s visit to this sacred site further amplifies her blessings. As the idol is carried through the streets, accompanied by hymns and chants, devotees believe that the goddess’s journey strengthens the spiritual bond between her and the participants.

In the early hours of Friday, the goddess returns to the temple, completing her journey and symbolising the blessings she has bestowed upon the devotees.

Kuruthi offering

The festival reaches its spiritual peak with the Kuruthi offering at 1:00 PM on Friday. The offering involves the sacrifice of a goat, symbolising the ultimate act of devotion to the goddess. While not all devotees partake in this ritual, it remains an important aspect of the festival’s sacred practices. The Kuruthi offering signifies the final affirmation of faith, marking the end of the Pongala festivities and the belief that Attukalamma has granted her blessings.

Attukal Pongala is more than just a festival; it is a powerful manifestation of the unwavering faith and devotion of the people of Kerala, particularly the women who are the heart of this celebration.